Indiscretions of the press.
--The publication of a newspaper, it must be admitted, is at all times attended with great labor and responsibility. It is true, in the piping times of peace, when everything flows along smoothly, the editor may be excused for indulging somewhat his fancy and imagination — something rich and racy, with a dash of romance, is perhaps expected. A sensation article now and then is quite the thing. Even a little scandal, with more gossip and tattle, may be excused and passed off as something smart. If the editor, under such circumstances, happens to commit a blunder, why, ‘"nobody's hurt"’ but himself, and he simply pays the penalty by being laughed at for his folly. At any rate, the penalty is seldom more than a cracked head and bloody nose, and never worse than coffee and pistols for two. This may not be very pleasant, but it happens so frequently that editors soon get used to it.But be this as it may, under no circumstance can the publication of a newspaper be said to be a ‘"labor of love."’ Of all occupations, it requires the most vigilant attention and the exercise of the soundest discretion. If it be true, then, that this constant vigilance, tact, and self-reliance is required of an editor in times of peace and tranquility, how much greater must be the labor and responsibility attending the publication of a paper in these stirring times of war and excitement. You may rely upon it, that the labor of editing in the present posture of affairs is attended with unusual and extraordinary embarrassments. The difficulty consists not so much in knowing what to publish as what not to publish. Even the truth is not at all times to be told. Its suppression may not only become a duty, but even the suggestion of a falsehood may be justifiable. To deceive and mislead the enemy seeking your own destruction, is certainly fair and legitimate. The editor must learn, therefore, not only what to say, but what not to say. And when he does write, he must write what he knows and know what he writes. To publish and tell that which may endure to the benefit of the enemy, and lead to the destruction of his friends, it is highly criminal, however pure and innocent the motives. It is his every innocence that is blamed.
